Sliney Elementary School Member Tests Positive For Coronavirus

BRANFORD, CT — The second positive case of coronavirus found in Branford schools is in a member of the Sliney Elementary School community, the district reported late Friday. The first case, at Branford High School, was reported in late September. In that case the person was a high school student and soccer player.

In a letter from schools superintendent Hamlet Hernandez, it was noted that the latest case of COVID-19 was detected in someone in the elementary school community. The person was told to stay home and in isolation for 10 days and contact tracing has begun. Hernandez said that after conferring with East Shore Health Department, the school district "has determined that there is no reason to close school or cancel in-person classes due to the sufficiency of the District’s current cleaning protocols and mitigation measures."

The person who tested positive was last in school Oct. 6. Hernandez said the school was notified of the positive case Thursday Oct. 8.

Here's Hernandez' full letter:

"Late yesterday afternoon, John B. Sliney School was notified that a member of the school community tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The affected person was last in school on Tuesday, October 6th, and has been instructed to remain on home isolation for 10 days. Anyone who is considered a 'close contact' with this person will or may already have been contacted by school officials and/or public health officials and provided with instructions on the appropriate steps to take.

In collaboration with the East Shore Health Department, the District has determined that there is no reason to close school or cancel in-person classes due to the sufficiency of the District’s current cleaning protocols and mitigation measures. We ask that parents/guardians, students, and staff continue to monitor their health and to stay home and contact their medical provider should they experience any of the symptoms below.

• Fever (100.4° Fahrenheit or higher)
• Chills or shaking chills
• Uncontrolled new cough (not due to other known cause, such as chronic cough)
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• New loss of taste or smell

For additional information on COVID-19 symptoms, please see the CDC website at the address below: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
The District is closely monitoring this situation and will provide additional information should it be required."